The Federation of European Manufacturers and Suppliers of Ingredients to the Bakery, Confectionery and Patisserie Industries (Fedima) has released a comprehensive manifesto aimed at shaping EU policy for the bakery sector during the upcoming 2024-2029 legislative cycle.
The document outlines seven key policy priorities that the organisation believes are crucial for fostering innovation, sustainability and competitiveness within the industry.
The bakery sector plays a vital role in the European food landscape, accounting for 50% of food and drink companies, employing 32% of the workforce, and contributing €9.3 billion in exports. Fedima's manifesto seeks to ensure that this cornerstone of Europe's largest manufacturing industry receives the necessary support from policymakers.
Key policy priorities
The manifesto identifies several critical areas for regulatory focus:
• Innovation and growth: Advocating for a regulatory framework that facilitates the timely introduction of innovative and sustainable products, while recognising the essential role of bread and pastry in European diets.
• Sustainability: Emphasising the need for balanced policies that promote environmental goals without compromising the competitiveness of the bakery sector.
• B2B Support: Calling for clearer guidance on how business-to-consumer (B2C) regulations apply to the unique characteristics of the business-to-business (B2B) sector, aiming for smoother collaboration across the supply chain.
• Science-based regulation: Stressing the importance of grounding regulatory frameworks in scientific evidence to ensure consumer safety and product efficacy.
• Regulatory consistency: Addressing disparities and inconsistencies across EU member states that can hinder the functioning of the internal market for food products.
• Harmonised sustainability regulations: Advocating for innovation-driven sustainability regulations that do not impose excessive burdens on businesses.
• Food security and climate adaptation: Urging proactive measures to address food security risks through climate adaptation strategies across the agricultural and food supply chain.
Industry impact and future directions
Thomas Lesaffre, president of Fedima, highlighted the manifesto's role as a roadmap for policymakers:
With these recommendations, we are setting out a framework to support the European bakery sector in its sustainable growth and competitiveness. Bread and pastries are integral to Europe's food traditions and daily diets.
Our recommendations aim to ensure that the regulatory environment allows producers to meet evolving consumer needs while contributing to a resilient and innovative European food system.
Fedima represents around 200 companies across 13 European countries, employing nearly 27,000 individuals and generating an annual turnover of approximately €7 billion. The organisation aims to leverage its manifesto to engage in constructive dialogue with EU policymakers throughout the new legislative term.
Lesaffre concluded:
By collaborating with key partners and policymakers, we can address challenges such as climate resilience and regulatory inconsistencies, enabling our members to innovate and deliver high-quality baked goods that consumers value.
Our sector is committed to participating in the policymaking process, providing insights that will lead to optimal regulatory conditions for the benefit of European consumers, the environment and our economies.